62°F
weather icon Partly Cloudy

Painful, poisonous puss caterpillars not so adorable

SPRING HILL, Fla. — A venomous caterpillar that masquerades as an adorable ball of fluff is making its way back to the Sunshine State.

According to Fox 13, the puss caterpillar can cause severe pain when it comes into contact with humans and animals. It’s most active in the spring and fall.

Experts say the sting is similar to a bee, but worse.

A Spring Hill man was recently stung, and a couple in Hillsborough County said they found three in their yard.

The Florida Poison Control Center reports receiving a fair amount of calls about caterpillar bites on a yearly basis.

Doctors warn people not to touch the fuzzy creatures, and to keep them away from pets, too.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Netanyahu fires back at US criticism over handling of Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s call for a new election in Israel was inappropriate.

Historic Queen Mary in Long Beach undergoes over $45M in repairs

Repairs for the Queen Mary have cost the city of Long Beach more than $45 million over the last eight years, according to city records obtained by The Times, a hefty bill as the city looks to keep the historic ship on a fledgling path toward profitability.